Greyhound Shedding Advice - Do Greyhounds Shed Hair?

Greyhounds don't have an undercoat, so they don't shed compared to many other breeds. They are moderate shedders and are suitable for people that don't want a lot of dog hair on their clothing or furniture and make it easier for people with allergies to manage.

Do Greyhounds shed more during certain seasons?

While you won't typically experience excessive shedding with a Greyhound, seasonal shedding will see an increase. This will happen around spring and autumn as the dog's coat prepares itself for hot and cold weather.

Do Greyhounds shed more as puppies?

The amount of hair a Greyhound puppy will shed is similar to that of an adult dog. Keep reading for tips on how to minimise and manage shedding in Greyhounds.

Greyhounds have smooth, short coats without a thick undercoat. This makes them much easier to care for, and grooming is straightforward.

Despite being called Greyhounds, their coats come in a variety of colours, including black, fawn, blue, red, and white. Striped and brindle patterning is also typical in Greyhounds.

The thin coat gives the dog a sleek appearance, but it can cause issues with weather extremes. Hairy dog breeds can find it easier to regulate their temperature and deal with hot and cold weather.

Greyhounds are known to suffer from heat exhaustion or get cold in the winter. This is something that needs to be considered when looking at the suitability of a Greyhound for your family.

Your Greyhound will shed. There is no getting around that, but learning how to minimise and manage it will make a big difference. 

Brushing

Regular brushing will help to remove dead hair and loose fur. A soft bristle brush or rubber mitt is ideal, and you will be able to start your grooming regime as soon as you get your puppy.

Grooming a greyhound puppy from a young age will help them to get used to it, and it can be a fun, bonding experience when you take time to praise your dog and give them treats.

Diet

Feeding a Greyhound generic dog food is typically cheaper, but there is no guarantee the dog is getting the nutrients it needs to grow and develop its bones and muscles. Another important reason you will have to focus on your dog's nutrition is the difference it can make to the coat.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in fish can help with the health of the dog's skin and coat.

Allergies are typically caused by the dander or saliva on the hair that is shed. Minimising the dander and reducing how much the dog sheds will help people with allergies around dogs.

Manage the shedding

Loose dog hair is perfectly natural, and brushing will only remove so much. Using covers on furniture and regular vacuuming will help to minimise the hair around a home.

Parasite control

Excessive shedding can be caused by scratching. A significant cause of this is parasites such as fleas or ticks. Regular checks and treatments can help to protect your dog from parasites.

Bathing

Your Greyhound should only require a bath every three months or so. Bathing a dog too frequently can cause skin issues since the oils in their coat are naturally protective.

No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds that don't shed much get very close. While the Greyhound coat is short, it does not make a Greyhound hypoallergenic.

When looking at retired racing greyhounds or puppies, you should know that the Greyhound sheds moderately. This means that you should not experience excess shedding, and you will find considerably less loose hair than other dogs with thick undercoats.

Greyhound owners report that a good grooming regime, diet, and ensuring your dog is free from parasites means shedding won't be a big issue with a Greyhound dog.